When the challenges of raising a toddler and juggling a career pile up, one working mom heads to the kitchen. “When I'm stressed or tired, instead of going to sleep, I cook,” says Maya Thukral.

Who's cooking: Maya Thukral, a sales representative for a medical lab, enjoys preparing meals for husband Nandish, a cardiologist, and their son Nikhil, who will be 2 years old in October. Nikhil's taste for salmon and spicy Indian food set him apart from other toddlers.

In addition, the Thukrals host family gatherings and parties once or twice a month for as many as 30 friends.

What's cooking: Indian, Italian and Mexican cuisines all are part of Maya's repertoire. “I like to cook anything people enjoy eating. I want people to enjoy my food,” she says. She might start with a recipe, but she prefers just mixing up ingredients or giving dishes her own twist.

For a recent party, Maya prepared lamb, chicken, rice, two vegetable dishes and naan, which had her chopping ingredients the night before and cooking all day before guests arrived. Typically, though, the Thukrals provide the main course and guests bring side dishes. They also like to do wine and Champagne pairings at parties.

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In this kitchen: The Thukrals moved into their North Side home two years ago. The comfortable modern design of the home suited their tastes, and they worked with Molly and Mike Sowry of Virtuoso Builders to bring personal touches to the kitchen of the spec home.

The space: The 22-by-22-foot kitchen, with an island that measures about 9-by-5 feet, is open to a seating area the family calls the lounge, where guests can spill over and watch TV or sit on the sofa.

On the surfaces: A dazzling wall of iridescent red mosaic tile, visible from the entry and living room, makes a sizzling statement in the otherwise calm space. Accent walls of deep gray, Behr's hush on the lounge end and dark ash on the other end, bring warmth to the contemporary design.

For parties, a built-in buffet serves as a bar, and food is served buffet-style from the island.

That's entertainment: For parties, the Thukrals create ambience with dimmed light and plenty of candles. They stock their bar to accommodate guest preferences, and Maya keeps an ample supply of beverage glasses, including stemless wine glasses for parties.

Shallow salad bowls, a find at Pier 1 Imports, used as appetizer plates make spills less likely.

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Know of a good cook with a great kitchen? Email suggestions for Cooks & Cocinas to Home & Garden Editor Tracy Hobson Lehmann, tlehmann@express-news.net.